A Northern Ireland graduate has launched a High Court challenge to his degree classification by Queen's University Belfast.

In one of the first cases of its kind, Andrew Croskery has brought judicial review proceedings over his lower second class honours award.

Mr Croskery, from Co Down, claims if he had received better supervision he would have instead obtained an upper second class in his electrical engineering degree. His barrister claimed he had been denied a right to appeal against his classification because he had already graduated from Queen's this summer.

Tony McGleenan argued that the university's stance was not compliant with his client's human rights.

He said: “It is obviously an important case for the applicant. He avers his employment prospects have been jeopardised... in this competitive job market.

“It's also clearly an important case for the university.”

The court heard how a Board of Visitors, whose members include two judges, considers student appeals and complaints.

Nicolas Hanna QC, for Queen's, argued that the judicial review application should be dismissed as the court was not the proper forum for the challenge.

He said: “The jurisdictional issue is so clear that it is unarguable and therefore, I submit, leave should be refused.”

The judge, Mr Justice Treacy, adjourned the case to allow further arguments on the point about whether the court should have jurisdiction.

His decision, expected next month, will determine whether the legal challenge can proceed.